He may have missed out on an Oscar and a Bafta for his James Bond movie Skyfall, but Sam Mendes has finally had his moment of glory.

The director was finally recognised with three awards for the film at the Jameson Empire Awards 2013.

Image:Sam Mendes with his three Empire awards

While the latest James Bond film was a huge box office hit, it was overlooked at the Oscars and the Baftas in the best film and best director categories.

But at a ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, Mendes took home the best director and best film awards for his 007 effort Skyfall, along with the Empire Inspiration award.

Speaking afterwards he said: "Me, if I feel like my films have inspired a couple of people, a couple of kids who are sitting in the back of a dark auditorium, then it's been worth it."

Dame Helen Mirren, 67, received the Empire Legend award for her screen career spanning five decades, including notable performances in The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, And Her Lover; Gosford Park; The Queen and this year's Hitchcock.

The actress joked she felt too young to receive the award and said: "It's okay. You sort of think, 'Really? Do I have to be a legend already. Can't they wait 20 odd years and then make me a legend?' But that's alright, I'll take it."

The British director has enjoyed a varied career of critically acclaimed films, including his dark debut Shallow Grave, the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire, cult hit Trainspotting and his latest effort, thriller Trance.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe was named this year's Empire Hero, while his film The Woman In Black won the award for Best Horror.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey notched up two wins - Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film and the Best Actor award for star Martin Freeman.

The Jameson Empire Film Awards Special will be shown on Saturday March 30 on Sky Movies at 8.30pm.